Be Active Day going strong in its fifth year

Boosting healthy living

Published: Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 9:56 a.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 9:56 a.m.

Suzanne Davis stood off to the side of a stage at Blue Ridge Mall Saturday afternoon. The Flat Rock resident watched as her 4-year-old daughter, Mackenzie, participated in Zumba exercises.

Davis and her husband, Brian, brought their daughter to the mall for the fifth annual Be Active Day sponsored by the Henderson County Department of Public Health.

The mall was lined with businesses that promote an active lifestyle for families. Tables were set up promoting line dancing, baseball, karate, Zumba, kickboxing, jazzercise, clogging, gymnastics and just plain exercise.

In the midst of all the tables promoting an active lifestyle were plenty of things for kids to do. The center of the mall turned into a playground as kids were hula hooping, tossing a ball, dancing to video games and jumping rope.

“We try to make the event fun for all ages, but that's the most fun,” said Tricia Stauffer, health educator at the Department of Public Health. “Looking out and seeing the kids playing.”

Stauffer has been a part of all five Be Active Days, but this was her first year as the main organizer. What makes the event special, she said, is the variety.

“I think having people realize the opportunities out there is the most important thing,” she said.

“It's awesome,” Brandi Elledge said. “They have a huge variety.” Elledge was there with her 5-yearold son, Cole, and her 2-year-old daughter, Caity.

The event got off to a slow start, Stauffer said, which could be attributed to the weather, but by mid-day she was pleased with the turnout.

<p>Suzanne Davis stood off to the side of a stage at Blue Ridge Mall Saturday afternoon. The Flat Rock resident watched as her 4-year-old daughter, Mackenzie, participated in Zumba exercises.</p><p>Davis and her husband, Brian, brought their daughter to the mall for the fifth annual Be Active Day sponsored by the Henderson County Department of Public Health.</p><p>The mall was lined with businesses that promote an active lifestyle for families. Tables were set up promoting line dancing, baseball, karate, Zumba, kickboxing, jazzercise, clogging, gymnastics and just plain exercise.</p><p>For Mackenzie, one thing really stuck out, her mom said.</p><p>“She enjoys the activities,” Suzanne said. “She seemed to enjoy the Zumba the most.”</p><p>In the midst of all the tables promoting an active lifestyle were plenty of things for kids to do. The center of the mall turned into a playground as kids were hula hooping, tossing a ball, dancing to video games and jumping rope.</p><p>“We try to make the event fun for all ages, but that's the most fun,” said Tricia Stauffer, health educator at the Department of Public Health. “Looking out and seeing the kids playing.”</p><p>Stauffer has been a part of all five Be Active Days, but this was her first year as the main organizer. What makes the event special, she said, is the variety.</p><p>“I think having people realize the opportunities out there is the most important thing,” she said.</p><p>“It's awesome,” Brandi Elledge said. “They have a huge variety.” Elledge was there with her 5-yearold son, Cole, and her 2-year-old daughter, Caity.</p><p>The event got off to a slow start, Stauffer said, which could be attributed to the weather, but by mid-day she was pleased with the turnout.</p><p>“I'm glad we're getting more people as the day goes on,” she said.</p>